Spring clothing apparently came at a bargain: Apparel prices dropped 3.2 percent from April and 0.5 percent from a year ago.

Nationwide, overall prices increased 0.5 percent in June from May. Two-thirds of the increase came from a 6.3 percent jump in gas prices, the largest since February.

Inflation has been stable this year, giving the Federal Reserve room to continue efforts to stimulate the economy.

Core prices are up just 1.6 percent over the past year — the smallest 12-month change in two years.

Slow economic growth and high unemployment have kept wages from rising quickly. That has made it harder for retailers and other firms to raise prices.

Tame inflation also has helped consumers up their spending despite slow income growth and higher Social Security taxes.

In June, prices for all energy products nationwide rose 3.4 percent mostly because of the surge in gasoline costs. Beyond that, other prices were little changed.

The gas-price surge was driven by a jump in global oil prices, partly reflecting the political turmoil in Egypt. Chris Christopher Jr., director of consumer economics at Global Insight, said pump prices are likely to fall once conditions stabilize in Egypt.

Seattle Times staff reporter Amy Martinez and The Associated Press contributed to this report.